Weight weenies, hydraulic disc brake believers, single chainring evangelists, electronic shifting enthusiasts, kids, gravel grinders, rich and the poor: Ridley has released its line of 2015 cyclocross bikes, and there’s something for everyone, with eighteen different cyclocross models spread over five framesets. Ridley, based in Belgium, the homeland of cyclocross, is dedicated to offering a bike for cyclocrossers at all levels with one of its most extensive lines ever.

At Press Camp 2014, we got a preview of a few of the upcoming models, along with specs of the entire line. This is part one of our preview of the Ridley 2015 line, with a focus on the new X-Night and X-Fire carbon cyclocross models, and the new Fenix Disc all road bike for your rough road or smoother dirt adventures.

2015 Ridley X-Night Reaches New Levels

Counter-intuitively, the most expensive steed in the stable is equipped with the most traditional component group. The 2015 Ridley X-Night SL is built with the tried and true SRAM Red 22 mechanical shifting system, Zipp 303 tubular wheels, along with Forza cantilever brakes. With a price tag of $8,600, the SL (super light) was designed as a lightweight production bike that registers at 14.44 pounds without pedals, below the minimum UCI road weight limit, for the (small) crowd who wants the lightest, and can afford it.

Ridley was able to achieve this weight without the inclusion of exotic components or an integrated seatpost, which went away with the updated 2014 frames that offered a new geometry (mostly a lower bottom bracket). The company remains one of the few still committed to cantilevers, and many of its sponsored racers still rely on this lighter option.

Next up on the list is Ridley’s X-Night 10, which comes decorated with the black, red, and yellow of the Beligian flag. Riders are offered the choice of 4ZA Cirrus Pro Cross cantilever brakes or SRAM Force CX1 HRD hydraulic disc brakes. A front derailleur, however, is not an option as the X-Night 10 is equipped with SRAM’s CX1 drivetrain (despite being pictured below with a double ring crank).

The single chainring and Type 2 rear derailleur should appeal to the pedal mashers who fear dropping their chain more than utilizing the widest range of gears available to them. Knowing their race ready audience, Ridley also built this bike stock with 4ZA tubular wheels and Challenge Grifo tires. The X-Night 10 MSRPs at $7,250 for the hydraulic disc set up, and $6,750 for the cantilever version.

Shimano makes an appearance with the X-Night 20 and 30 models. The black and blue X-Night 20, priced at $6,800 and available only with disc brakes, is built up complete with Ultegra 11-speed Di2 and a Rotor 3DF crankset.

The Ridley X-Fire, a model which is slightly friendlier on the weekend warrior’s wallet will be available in four models: from the 11-speed 105 to the 11-speed Ultegra, each with either disc or cantilever brakes, will MSRP between $2,700 and $3,400 depending on the components. The X-Fire will not be offered with a Shimano Di2 or SRAM CX1 package.

The aluminum little brother of the family, the X-Ride will be available with the same packages as the X-Fire, and start at $2,000, and the more affordable X-Ride and X-Bow lines continue. Stay tuned for details on those models in part two of our 2015 Ridley preview.

Fenix Disc: A Road Bike for Rougher Roads

For gravel grinder riders who prefer their races fast and dry might do well to also take a look at the new Ridley Fenix Disc. With a clearance for at least 28c tires, the 2015 Fenix Disc might not see the mud-fests found in the Paris-Ancaster Race, but in the right conditions, this endurance bike could leave your competitors in your wake when the roads get rougher or turn to (smooth) dirt. MSRP is $2750 for the Fenix 30 Disc 105 build, and $3200 for the Fenix 10 Disc Ultegra model with Rotor 3DF cranks and round chainrings.

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Cyclocross Magazine is a print and digital magazine and website for the cyclocross community by cyclocross racers. We’re based on community-contributed content, which means we welcome content submissions from anyone and prioritize representing all aspects of the sport of cyclocross, from the most grass-roots scene to the highest professional level of the sport.